Contracts

Miami Artist Withdraws from Exhibition Over Mandatory Anti-BDS Clause, Highlights Rising Censorship in Art Contracts

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Pembroke Pines, FL — In a recent turn of events, Les Gomez-Gonzalez, a Miami-based artist, withdrew from the upcoming exhibition “Ebb & Flow: Exploring the Womanhood Continuum” at the Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery. The decision came after discovering a clause in the vendor registration form that required adherence to Florida’s anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) policy involving Israel. This clause, part of Florida Statute 287.135, mandates that vendors do not engage in any boycott activities against Israel. Gomez-Gonzalez, expressing solidarity with Palestine, chose to publicize the issue and exit the event, the only artist … Read more

Former Independence Official Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion Amid Scrutiny Over High-Profile Utility Contracts

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Independence, Mo. — A former elected official and attorney, embroiled in long-standing FBI inquiries into local utility contracts, admitted guilt to federal tax evasion charges on Monday. John C. Carnes, 69, who has previously faced imprisonment and legal scrutiny spanning decades, confirmed his evasion of personal income taxes from 2012 through 2018. Carnes was a significant player in municipal decisions during his tenure on the Independence City Council, particularly in the acquisition of land for a solar farm and the controversial demolition of a city-owned power plant. His legal issues resurfaced after he was indicted … Read more

Connecticut Contracts Tech Specialist to Address Delays in Criminal Record Clearance Law

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HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut has enlisted the aid of an outside contractor to address significant data quality issues hindering the implementation of a law designed to automatically clear thousands of criminal records. This law, which has been plagued with delays, prescribes the erasure of certain criminal convictions in an effort to give individuals a fresh start. Implemented in collaboration with iLab Consultants, an Indiana-based firm, the state aims to resolve technical difficulties plaguing its information technology systems. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which hired the software quality assurance company in July, anticipates … Read more

Whistleblower Lawsuit Accuses Georgia Tech of Cybersecurity Failures in Defense Contracts

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ATLANTA — The Georgia Institute of Technology and its affiliate, the Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GTRC), find themselves at the center of significant legal scrutiny as they face allegations of failing to adhere to cybersecurity mandates stipulated in U.S. Department of Defense contracts. The Department of Justice has initiated a whistleblower lawsuit against the institutions, claiming extensive violations of cybersecurity regulations that could have jeopardized national security. The complaint, lodged under both the False Claims Act and federal common law, was spurred by claims from both current and former members of Georgia Tech’s cybersecurity team. … Read more